West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended a “fifth and final” invitation to protesting doctors for discussions at her residence today, as tensions continue over the Kolkata doctor’s rape-murder case. The doctors will decide on accepting the invitation after holding a general body meeting.
In a letter sent by Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, the doctors have been invited for a meeting with Banerjee at 5 pm, with an emphasis on “open-minded” discussions. The letter highlighted that there will be no live-streaming of the meeting, in line with prior agreements, as the matter is sub judice. Instead, minutes of the meeting will be recorded and signed by both parties.
The protesting doctors met Banerjee last Saturday but left after hours of waiting, claiming they were asked to leave without proper communication. Live-streaming of the meeting has been a point of contention throughout the month-long protest.
The BJP has criticized Banerjee’s approach, with IT cell head Amit Malviya accusing her of attempting to manipulate the situation before the Supreme Court hearing. He described her government’s actions as “laced with overtones of intimidation” and warned the doctors of political exploitation.
As the deadlock continues, all eyes are on whether the doctors will accept Banerjee’s final offer for dialogue.
